Many cities in the world turn into a sparkling and shining splendour in December. In addition to their unique appearance, these Christmas cities offer also many cultural highlights typical for the country.
The Christmas capital Strasbourg holds the title of the oldest Christmas market in Europe, which was first held in 1570. Kilometres of fairy lights and the big Christmas tree on Kléber Square add to the festive atmosphere.
Whether Carnaby Street, Oxford Street or Convent Garden, in the Pre-Christmas Season, the most famous shopping miles in London sparkle in a competition, thanks to lush lighting. The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is also one of the most popular Christmas destinations in the UK, with the largest outdoor skating rink and winter shows to make the visit an unforgettable experience.
The Venice of the North, Stockholm, radiates a special flair in the Christmas season and shines in the glow of lights. The Festival of Lights in honour of Saint Lucia as well as the old town Gamla Stan and the Kungsträdgarden are only a few of the many highlights with Christmas decorations in a wonderful blaze of lights.
Rovaniemi, the small town in Lapland is the birthplace of Santa Claus. A dreamlike winter landscape with lots of snow and shining lights is guaranteed here. Besides visiting Santa Claus and the reindeer, you can marvel at the northern lights during a fairy tale sleigh ride.
Spend Christmas under palm trees, in Europe on Palma de Mallorca. Despite mild temperatures, the magnificent Christmas lighting with Christmas tree, fairy lights and stars will put you in the Christmas mood. The whole city shines in a Mediterranean version of the Christmas scenery and inspires all visitors.
In Moscow, Christmas is celebrated in January, but already from December, a magical Christmas atmosphere is spread in the city with festive jewellery and splendid decorations and lighting. The city transforms into a snow-covered Christmas landscape with festively decorated fir trees and light installations by international artists. In the Kremlin a real, 30m high Christmas tree can be admired and also at the festive bazaars you can discover beautiful tree decorations and presents in Russian style.
Every country and city has its own customs and traditions. But by and large, people all over the world come together at Christmas time to celebrate the festival of love in family circles.
2020 is a great challenge for all of us, so it is all the more important that we do not lose our optimism, hope and joy during the most beautiful time of the year, and look forward to 2021 with much positive confidence.
Heron Aviation wishes you a healthy and reflective Christmas Season.